YumaBev has Parkinson's Disease and a sense of humor! Funny stories and helpful tips about her life with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. Come laugh with her as she fights Parkinson's Disease with humor.

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Friday, August 5, 2011

YumaBev has Parkinson's Disease and goes car shopping

I was having trouble getting out of our car due to Parkinson's Disease. Getting IN was fine, but getting OUT was becoming difficult and even though it was a luxury car, the seats were uncomfortable for me. We had a second car, a convertible, but it was even harder for me to get out of.

So, I decided to go car looking. I say looking because I was doubtful that I would find the right car for me. We have all the big brands in our town and all the dealers are in a row. I don't LOOK like there is anything wrong with me. I have a small window every morning when I can move like a normal person. Almost.

I started with the bigger SUV types, thinking that higher off the ground would be better. They were easy to get OUT of, but not so easy to climb IN to. I am short, barely 5 foot 2, and these are for tall Pappy Bears, not this little Goldilocks. The salesmen kept asking what color I wanted and what options and were terribly confused when I would say, I just want one that fits me.My Wonderful Husband said "lets look at the sporty models". So I tried them, they looked sharp, but I needed the salesman's help to get out. These cars are designed for middle age Guy Bears, not me. We had ruled out the sedans and I didn't want a Momma Bear mini-van. I could only try a few each day, before I got too rigid. I tried the smaller SUV types, but nothing fit.

YumaBev's boring white PT

I was just about to give up when I saw a PT Cruiser. I gave it a try, and it FIT. Perfectly. It was easy to get in and out of and had an armrest that moved with the seat and I could reach the pedals without being up against the steering wheel. So I bought one. But my Wonderful Husband missed me riding in his convertible, so we found a PT Cruiser convertible and bought it, too. Now I have my run errands car and can go riding with him in his, too.

Wonderful Hubby's colorful PT

Goldilocks and her handsome prince Cruise happily ever after.

Thank you for reading this story, I hope you enjoyed it. This is just one of a hundred stories in my book, Parkinson's Humor - Funny Stories about My Life with Parkinson's Disease. Please consider purchasing a copy from Amazon.com or your favorite online book seller. Thank you and have a Happy Parkie Day!

Parkinson's Humor, the book, is now available online.

One of the Top Parkinson's Blogs of 2015, 2016 and 2017

Sherryl's YouTube Channel

Sherryl Klingelhofer, from Tillamook Oregon is a Master Fitness Trainer. Her Father had Parkinson's, so she developed certain exercises to help him. Now she makes videos of Parkinson's Specific exercises to help others with Parkinson's. Here is the link to her YouTube channel.

All about YumaBev

My name is Bev Ribaudo and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at age 47, but my symptoms started in my mid-30's. Humor comes naturally to me and a little disease like Parkinson's can't take it away. I have been married since 1985 to the most Wonderful Husband in the whole world. I like Photography and Karaoke.

IF you think you might have Parkinson's, check out these sites.

Yuma AZ Parkinson's Disease Support Group

The Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets the first Monday of each month (except June, July, Aug and Sept) at 9 am at Daybreakers Cafe 10800 N Frontage Rd, Yuma AZ 85367 (I-8, exit #12 Fortuna Blvd, go north, on left, behind the truck stop). Everyone welcome, including care-partners and families of people with Parkinson's. For more info, contact Beverly at 928-246-2876 or via email at YumaBev@gmail.com